Sunday, September 7, 2014

Insights On Violin Chinrest Styles

By Jody Leach


The purpose of the chin rest is particularly to free the left hand to enable the violin player to concentrate on the strings. However, there exist different styles and types of violin chinrest that determine your technique, comfort and the sound your implement produces. The accessory defines the convenience and performance of the instrument. In an attempt to make the best out of your equipment, ensure to select the most suitable violin chinrest styles for your use.

The first element worth considering is the equilibrium. The chinrest was made to enhance equilibrium and enable you to perform well through the performance. Although there are varied types of chinrest styles, the purpose still remains the same. The only challenge lies in determining the best fit for you. Unfortunately, the process of selecting the instrument is rather a trial and error.

For those who are using the instruments, there are many signs of an ill-fitting device. For instance, ill-fitting instruments can cause players to look right and tilt their heads left while at the same time reaching forward with their heads in an effort for the jawbone to secure the instrument. The positions can result in neck, headaches, aches among other injuries due to the player compensating for the unnatural head position.

However, no matter the time taken, it is worth the effort. By accessing the right style, it will be easier to move your hands around, and prevent your chin and jaw from hurting. In addition, the gadget will maintain the good and natural feel of your neck. Though a chinrest often give a slight mark on the neck of the player, it should however not be a painful bump.

The curvature of the chin rest is equally an important aspect. For instance, players who have bonier jaws ought to opt for chinrest with defined curves. To the contrary, the individuals with fleshier jaws are better served with longer and low ridge equipment. Also, settling for the most suitable curvature will deplete your chances of developing sores and other injuries, particularly on the jaw.

It is also paramount to opt for the proper chin rest height. The proper height of the instrument is the one that leaves a gap between the jaw and the top of the rest when the eyes are looking forward. The gap should be about one finger in width. However, you can raise a well-fitted chin rest to the right height by adding a lift or raiser made of cork. This can be done by considering the density of the cork and taking utmost caution not to destabilize the chin rest.

However, it is worth noting that a regular player of this instrument will often develop a red inflammation on the left part of the neck. This condition is referred to as fiddlers neck, or otherwise, violin hickey and is not painful given the right selection of tool. The condition is generally caused by constant pressure and friction on the part. In fact, the occurrence is denoted as battle scars among the violinist community and indicates a skill due to constant practice and consequent experience.

Whatever your instrument needs, one factor should remain ultimate; your comfort. It does not matter the greatness of the sound the equipment produces, as long as it is not comfortable and healthy, it is uncalled for. Be sure to consult and check out with the experts concerning the same.




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